The Princess of Wales's Yearly Festive Musical Celebration Honours Community Volunteers

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is presiding over her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation comprising members of the royal family, famous faces, and community champions who have supported their local areas.

The sizable congregation will hear a mix of carols, music and readings from performers including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet.

Centred Around Compassion and Love

The theme of the concert, held in the atmospheric historic church on the afternoon, is kindness and showing love to others.

Attending the event are Anna and Jonathan Cordiner, whose child passed away from a brain cancer, and who founded an organisation, a charity called Kayleigh's Wee Stars, to help households where there is a youngster facing a life-limiting condition.

"The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any hope for reward or acknowledgement, make an remarkable change to the lives of others," the Princess expressed in a letter ahead of the festive gathering.

A Steady Comeback

The Princess of Wales is continuing her own steady comeback to official duties following her health challenges and treatment, in November making her major oration since 2023, in which she talked about recognising the "discreet, frequently unseen labour of caregivers".

Music and Opportunity

Guests arriving at the Abbey can listen to budding artists supported by the Future Talent organisation, established in part by the Duchess of Kent to broaden opportunities for instrumental training.

Trumpeter Carys Wood, 18, who plays the trumpet and is from Pembrokeshire, has been helped by the charity, with funding assisting with equipment, teaching, and travel fees - and she said it was "amazing" to be playing at tonight's service.

"Pursuing music is often costly," Carys said. She is now enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music, and added that "all people deserve the chance" to develop their musical skills.

A Sisterly Duo

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who is a euphonium player, will be present at the Abbey. "It's unbelievable that I get to perform here in front of so many important people," she said.

Within the audience will be people from various age groups.

That will encompass young Saphia Turner, nine, recipient of a prize for youthful altruism, who sells artwork and carries out sponsored challenges to raise money for local food charities.

Festive Decor and Performances

The Abbey has been decorated with handcrafted festive wreaths, with well-known chef Mary Berry and flower expert Simon Lycett assisting in their creation.

Taking to the stage will be Katie Melua, the Westminster Abbey choristers and a maritime folk band from Cornwall, the Fisherman's Friends, who said the chance to take part was "the perfect culmination."

The festive event titled 'Together at Christmas' will be aired by ITV1 on Christmas Eve.